But despite WA producers paying as much as their eastern states counterparts, trade and marketing activities will now be co-ordinated out of Sydney.

“We had one staff member in WA and because of the reducing levy revenue and the need to prioritise export markets we took the decision to take those trade marketing roles (supporting retail butchers and food service) out of the domestic market,” said Michael Edmonds, general manager for central marketing and industry insights at MLA.

“We really can’t afford to have people on the ground doing those activities anymore.

“It’s about doing what’s more affective. With reducing dollars you just have to cut your cloth to fit it.

“We just think the best way to service all our levy payers, including those in WA, from a marketing perspective is to have a centralised approach.”